Emory University School of Medicine Program

The Pediatric Urology Fellowship at Emory University School of Medicine represents an innovative training program offered by the Department of Urology, in collaboration with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Georgia Urology Pediatrics. The fellowship, established in 1975, is renowned for its comprehensive training and expertise in the field of pediatric urology, where a substantial volume of pediatric urological surgeries, exceeding 4,000 annually, are performed.

During the training program, fellows are immersed in clinical practice across three primary facilities: Children's at Egleston Hospital, Children's at Scottish Rite Hospital, and Children's at Hughes Spalding Hospital. These institutions constitute one of the largest pediatric hospital systems in the United States, characterized by a diverse patient population.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship comprises two years of rigorous training. The first year primarily focuses on clinical education, emphasizing the surgical and medical management of pediatric urological conditions. The fellows gain extensive surgical experience through direct involvement in open, laparoscopic, and robotic procedures. Key competency areas addressed during this year include:

• Endourology
• Fluid and electrolyte management
• Genitourinary reconstructive surgery
• Intersex conditions
• Neurogenic bladder dysfunction
• Obstructive uropathy
• Oncology
• Perinatal urology
• Trauma
• Urinary tract infections
• Urolithiasis
• Voiding dysfunction

In the second year, fellows shift their focus to research, dedicating a majority of time to scholarly activities while maintaining a clinical component. The research objectives aim to address pressing pediatric urological topics such as vesicoureteral reflux, ureteropelvic junction obstruction, urinary stone disease, hypospadias, and urinary tract reconstruction.

Training Facilities

Fellows benefit from training at multiple high-volume referral centers, each providing diverse exposure to urological conditions. The training facilities include:

• Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston
• Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite

Both facilities are staffed by board-certified pediatric urologists and provide comprehensive educational resources, clinical experiences, and an interdisciplinary approach to patient care, particularly for cases involving cancer and neurogenic bladder dysfunction.

Application Requirements

To apply for the Pediatric Urology Fellowship, candidates must fulfill specific prerequisites:

• Completion of an ACGME-accredited urology residency in the U.S. or Canada
• Eligibility for American Board of Urology certification examination
• Qualification for a Georgia state medical license
• Submission of a Universal Pediatric Urology Fellowship Application Form, personal statement, curriculum vitae, in-service board scores, and three letters of recommendation (including one from the chair of urology and one from the director of pediatric urology)

Applications should be directed to the Fellowship Program Coordinator ahead of the chief residency year, with interviews taking place in the spring prior to commencement.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship for qualified international medical graduates, enhancing accessibility for diverse applicants seeking fellowship training in pediatric urology.

Competitiveness

The Pediatric Urology Fellowship is deemed highly competitive due to its robust training structure, esteemed faculty, and affiliations with leading medical institutions. The program is friendly to both DO and IMG candidates, provided they meet the specified requirements.

Research Opportunities

In addition to clinical training, the fellowship emphasizes research, enabling fellows to engage in groundbreaking studies aimed at addressing pediatric urological challenges. The program encourages collaboration across departments and offers opportunities to contribute to ongoing research initiatives.